Since elementary, I was already a member of a Journalism club. It was not my choice to join the organization; it was just an accident. I became a member of it simply because I have good grades in both English and Filipino. Honestly, I am not into this stuff. I’m not good in writing essays, feature stories and news articles. Writing really is not my passion. But even if it wasn’t my cup of tea, I entered the world of journalism. Unexpectedly, I was one of the chosen few to represent my elementary school, Cebu Normal University, for the Press Conference. Some of the chosen students include my best friend named Jennifer Angela and my other two close friends namely Lorraine Tio and Stanley Noel. We were afraid when we knew that we will represent the school but we were also excited to do it for our school. I knew it would be one of my unforgettable experiences because joining such contest is an opportunity for you to show the world that you can bring honor not just to your school but also to yourself.
The Division Press Conference was held in Zapatera Elementary School last November of 2002. This was participated by different schools all over Cebu City and Cebu Province. I was the contestant in Copy reading and Headline Writing, Filipino Category. In this category, each of us will be given a news articles with errors on it’s content. We are tasked to edit the errors and afterwards, make a headline for the news article. Other categories also include Sports Writing, News Writing, Feature Writing, Editorial Making and Editorial Cartooning and Photo Journalism.
We were sent to different classrooms during the contest proper. During my contest, of course I got nervous. But when I read the news article, I find it easy. It was not challenging for me because it was just like a practice piece, which my coach always gives me during my free time. <> It was just easy for me maybe because I was really trained hard. Imagine yourself being excused from a class and then will let you copy read at least five articles a day. The training was worth it because I won First place. I received a trophy and a certification that I will be representing not just my school in the Regional Presscon but also the whole Cebu. All of my friends also won and we will all be going to the next round, which is the Regional Finals.
Bais City in Negros Oriental was our next destination. The Regional Presscon will be held there. We were very excited because we will be going out of Cebu. It was in December of 2002 when we went there. I think we stayed there for four days and three nights. It was my first time to be away from home without any family member around. From that experience, I learned how to be an independent person. I find it nice to be all by yourself sometimes because it will truly help you.
Before the start of the contest, we had a parade in the city. All the Cebuano representatives wore fuchsia pink shirts . It was a bad day for me because I was not feeling well at that time. I didn’t enjoy the activities as well as I wasn’t able to review for my tilt the next day. Because of lack of preparations, I was mentally-blocked during my contest. I cannot explain to myself why I was like that. Because of that, I was not able to concentrate with my contest piece, which results to not winning it. I was disappointed at that time that I was not able to bring fame to my school again. I was also shy to face my coach and my other friends who won heir category. I thought that they will be disappointed too but they showed me their support even if I didn’t won. They were still proud of me because I was able to reach the regional finals and only a few have the opportunity to join in. despite my failure in the contest, I was very thankful to God and to the people around me who supported me.
It was indeed one memorable event I experienced.
I am a big fan of some Kapuso stars, MYMP band and Bisrock bands too. I even want to see them up close and personally. Indeed, last May 1, 2005 when GMA network held a Grand Kapuso Fan's Day in the Abellana Sports Complex, my sister and I didn't hesitate to go there. The location was fine with us because it is just near our house. We went there very early in the morning; I think it was still six o'clock in the morning. We decided to go there early to have a good place to stay. When we reached there, we didn't expect to see a lot of people already. We thought we would be the earliest but there were a lot already. The guard gave us an I.D. to be recognized as guests. The good thing there is that the place because you can feel the security for the event was good. I met some of my cousins there, so my sister and I decided to stay with them. The program started at about eight o'clock. Gifts and surprises were at stake when you join and win their fun games. People had fun with the said games. When the clock reads twelve o'clock in the afternoon, the crowd was very excited already, SOP was about to begin. The place was surrounded with cheers and eagerness to see their favorite stars. I was one of them. The program lasted for almost three hours. The artist of the Kapuso channel entertained all the Cebuanos there with their song and dance numbers. Because of the said event, I was able to see my favorite stars, which includes Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras and Kyla. I also had some signatures of some stars too. I brought my camera with me at that time so whenever I feel like capturing their beautiful faces, I just click on it for remembrance purposes. I admit that I was star struck at that time. I was very happy for attending the event.
Aside from the Grand Kapuso Fans Day last May, I also attended the mini concert of my favorite local artist. Make way for the "Make Your Momma Proud" (MYMP). I really like how Juris Fernadez delivers the song and how his partner Chin Alcantar plays the guitar. It can really make me happy when they play music together. It was held in my sister's school, Southwestern University. It was again advantage for us because we can reach there just by walking. The ticket costs P200.00. My mother bought 2 tickets, one for me and one for my sister. We tahnked our mother for giving us the chance to see our idols. We were very happy when we were there. I was not able to bring my camera with me at that time because I never expected that I will have the chance. My mother didn't agree with us before because it is just a waste of money.
We all know the newest craze here in Cebu is on Bisrock bands. I am an avid fan of Bisrock bands because their songs our what people experiences. I really love it. Last January 11, 2007, I had the chance to see them live. My sister’s school invited them for their "Foundation Day". Their band, Kabobo launched their debut album on the said event. The ticket was affordable, it only costs P50.00. But because my mother also worked in my sister's school, I was able to watch the concert for just P10.00. I really had fun there because I was able to see my favorite bands like Phylum, Aggressive Audio, Mantequilla and Missing Filemon. I was with my sister too at that time. We went home with smiles on our faces. I will never forget this.
My moment with the stars was very memorable for me because it made me close with my sister. I just realized that we have the same interests. Thank you sis!
The problem with men is that...
-sometimes secretive
Yes! Men too hide secrets especially when with their health. I can say that because one man in my life, my father, is very secretive. He keeps to himself that all his health problems. He does not share it with us. I think he is doing this because he does no want us to worry about him. But he does not know we worry more when he do that.
-too possessive
When it comes to their girlfriends, they become possessive. As if they own the life of their partners. Sometimes, they want them always at their side. But how about the friends of the girls? Can she not stay with them even for a while. Most girls hangout more with their friends rather than their so-called boyfriends.
Because of these, men became selfish because they will only lesser time with their girls. But I think he should understand that. Sometimes, I hate guys like that but sometimes I also recognize their side.
-supercilious
Other says that men are superior. Sometimes I believe in that principle. Most men when they achieve what
They want, they cannot hide the happiness that may lead to his superciliousness or the Filipino term "mahangin".
-sometimes irresponsible/lazy
Most men prefer playing than doing chores. I know that it's a must for a woman to learn how to do chores but it's unfair if man would not do the same thing too. We must all learn these things for our life. We must not be dependent to others.
The problem with women is that..
-secretive
Women too are secretive like men. It's not with their health but their life. Sometimes women hide something. They
became more secretive when they are with their cliques which are all girls.
-back-biters
I definitely accept that we are definitely backbiters especially when we hate
something or someone. I thin it's nature with us. We can't stop it but we can lessen it.
-cry babies
When we get hurt, we easily cry even if it shouldn't be. We are not too brave. But it's just okay not like the boys because we show off when we are really hurt. Most boys are afraid to cry because they think it will make them less masculine. But hey, it's not bad seeing guys crying.
Each of us has different attitudes whether it is nature or not. We must understand each of them. But if they are negative, try changing those. Others may be annoyed by what you show off.
When we were still Juniors, we had a semestral subject which is Research. In this field, we were asked to find a research study to work on and defend on it at the end of the grading period. Mr. Jover Nuñez was our mentor then. It was very hard for us to secure a research study that is essential to people. When I first approached my study to Mr. Nuñez, I was very scared because maybe he will not accept it. I was right, he rejected my project. I was disappointed at that time but that wouldn't be an enough excuse to give up. Even if I will fail a hundred times, I will never quit. It was not easy for me to find one. Luckily, the mother of my former classmate was a big blessing for me. She helped me out to find a good research topic. Because of her, I was able to find one. But even if I already had a research topic, I still have a porblem. Because with our research study, we must come up with a paper bearing the significance of it to mankind. Again, it was very tough for me. I even got a grade of 76 on this on the third grading because I was not diligent enough on my work.I think it was a lesson for me. Because of what happened, I was challenged to have an 80 mark on the fourth grading. I know it will really need a lot of hardwork but I must do it for my own good. After the defense, I was relieved becauseat last I was free with it. I was very happy that my hardwork was worth it because I was able to have my target grade which is 80.
After all had defended their study, we were told by our teacher that, he will choose sixteen best projects. The chosen studies will be the topics that we should perform on the next school year. Good thing my project was not chosen because as what my teacher told us, the owner of the project will automatically be the leader of the group. I don't like to be a leader because it is a very big responsibilty and I am not good at it. I am a member of Nathaniel's group. My co-members includes Jessa and Christille. Our new research topic is all about Golden Apple Snails more popularly known here in the Philippines as Golden Kuhol. In his reaserch study, we must control these pests in harming the rice fields.
Even if the school year 2006-2007 has not started yet, we, the Seniors, were all busy with our Research projects, It is like investigatory projects but the difference with it is, it is more complicated and challenging. I thought that it would be easier because we are four in this group but I was wrong. The elements needed to have a succesful project may be sum up with two words: teamwork and cooperation.
With goup projects, misunderstandings will never be absent. It is nature fro everyone to have some squabbles. It is also important to a group because it will help you out what's the best thing to do next. As the saying goes, "learn from your mistakes". I experienced this a lot of times with my group. I was even told by our leader that because I was not devoted to our project, I was like a free-rider. With what he said, I was guilty. It was true that I did not give in my whole me in the project and I was dependent on them. Little by little, I was trying my very best to help in our project. Sometimes, I hate doing the research things because I already spent my allowance on this stuff. My mother even got mad at me because I always ask for extra money for internet purposes. But later, she understood the situation I that was in.
Last week was the deadline for our research papers. I was sad at that time because Jessa and I failed to make what our leader has instructed us. We also wasted P100.00 for printing the wrong files. I almost cried but I did not allow my tears from falling down. It was again a lesson for us. All the pain and disappointments were gone when our teacher Prof. Baltazar returned our papers. Our group gt the highest grade with 88. Our teacher even appreciated us for a job well done. Our money and efforts were all worth it.
Ad now that Science Fair is fast approaching, we are all now nervous because we will be defending our study in front of all the students of UP High and other schools too. This activity really needs full teamwork and cooperation.
Students from the University of the Philippines High School in Cebu belongs to different clubs. This includes Math and Science, NETizens, Tambuli, Glee, Jazzers, UPSTAGE, UPAC, and the famous organization, the Stargazers Society .Members of this club are also known as Stargazers. It is composed of all year levels starting from the Freshies up to the Seniors. As far as the UP system is concerned, the Stargazers Society has the most number of members. Professor Erlinda Gallo is the adviser of this organization. This club holds overnight activities for gazing different stars or constellations up in the sky.
Last February 2, 2007, the Stargazers Society held an overnight stay in school. It was not my first time to join in the said overnight because I am not just a member of this organization but I am also an officer specifically P.R.O. I was loyal member to this club, I stayed for three years already. And since my membership on this coterie, I have not missed any stargazing activity yet.
The overnight activity is usually done from seven o'clock in the evening of Fridays and ends on six o'clock in the morning of a Saturday. It always starts with a lecture forum at the LEADER with Mr. Cristopher Go. With the lecture forum, students has the chance to ask all the questions about astonomy and for sure, Mr. Go can give the answer you want. After this little talking sessions, the Stargazers are free to do anything they want to do. They can either sleep talk, eat, watch movie or even play a game. Hey, but no PDA (Public Display of Affection) please. That's a school violation. Anyway, let's go back to our topic. It is up to the students if what will they do for the rest of the night. But most of those who join the overnight prefer not to sleep instead they want to spend the night talking and playing with friends and classmates. But for the first time because of tediousness, I almost spent my whole night for sleeping. For the previous stargazing, I had no time for sleeping because I enjoy the night hanging out with friends. It didn't happen last Friday because only a few of my batchmates and close friends in school joined the said activity. Before, we usually sleep at three or four in the morning (Saturday time), so we only havefew hours in sleeping. Even it's fun not to sleep together with friends but it also has disadvantages. One of these would be the lack of sleep. Imagine yourself sleeping for only two hours instead of the required eight hours. Well of course, I am sure that when they reach home, they will sleep again to regain energy after the strenouos things you have done last night.
The Stargazers Society is looking forward for another overnight activity. The good thing is that we will not be holding it inside the campus but outdoors already. Yipee! We will be doing the activity at the University of San Carlos. We, especially the Seniors, were very happy upon hearing the good news because at least before we graduate, we will have another time together to enjoy our stay in UP..
The overnight activity is somewhat like a bonding activity with others. It is where you meet and get to know each other more. It is one of the objectives of this club to get along with others. Isn't that essential?
I am proud to be a member of this one-of-a-kind club. I never had regrets that I joined in.
